Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of October.
Good morning, La Crosse.
🏘️ Community
The Salvation Army provided winter coats, hats and boots at its Nelson Place warehouse on Wednesday and Thursday after Kwik Trip collected donations at local stores — those needing items can visit the 8th Street location Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Family and Children's Center held its fifth annual Bridges to Better Tomorrows fundraiser Thursday night in La Crosse.
The nonprofit aims to raise $750,000 by year-end to support mental health + family services in seven communities including Winona, Caledonia, and Black River Falls.
💼 Business
La-Z-Boy opened its new furniture store at Valley View Mall in La Crosse.
Chamber officials held a ribbon cutting with store manager Ben Kennedy, who noted the convenient Highway 16 location plus the option to preview custom design layouts.
The last Hardee’s restaurant in La Crosse closed at 1311 Rose St. — a sign thanked loyal patrons.
Customers now must travel to Hardee’s in Black River Falls, Oakdale, Prairie du Chien, or St. Charles.
Dairyland Power announced on Thursday that it is evaluating small modular nuclear reactors at its Genoa site after signing a letter of intent with a reactor builder.
Each unit is set to produce 100 megawatts and operate for 60+ years to support a lower-carbon, resilient energy future for local members.
🎓 Education
Students from North Woods and Logan schools joined a fall book walk on Thursday morning in La Crosse to explore Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox – the event offered older students a chance to lead younger peers.
🌲 Environment
Features Fieldhouse in West Salem was awarded the 2026 Soak It Up Award by La Crosse Area Waters for its stormwater management that channels roof water into a native-plant biofilter basin & rain gardens filtering runoff; owned by Jenn & Jason Slusser, the facility shows how local businesses protect waterways.
🏛️ Government
Congressman Derek Van Orden began his motorcycle tour yesterday in Prairie du Chien—meeting voters across 19 counties, including a La Crosse stop this Saturday.
The tour will continue through next Thursday in Sauk County to discuss the upcoming election and reflect Wisconsin’s rugged heritage.
Congressman Derrick Van Orden faces an ethics complaint after posting an AI-generated graphic of candidate Rebecca Cooke without proper disclosure — a cease-and-desist letter was issued on Sept.
30 based on Wisconsin’s AI election rules.
Sen. Tammy Baldwin and candidate Rebecca Cooke rallied in La Crosse Thursday morning on the *Sick of It* bus tour to oppose cuts to Medicaid and ACA tax credits as residents reported premium hikes from $400 to $1,800.
Organizers said health care affordability remains a top concern.
🏥 Health
The Tomah VA Medical Center hosted a breast cancer awareness walk on Oct.
22, 2026, drawing community members to learn about early detection and support available through the event.
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